Tinto De Verano: Spain’s Lazy Girl Sangria ~or~ this Fall’s go-to Spritz of the Season
Let’s be honest, the holidays are near. Back to school happened fast and we all know the holiday season creeps in faster than we like. One minute it’s leaves and pumpkins - the next its prepping for Christmas in October at Target. Another topic I could drone on & on about as a consumer. What I do LOVE is the anticipation of a new season’s food and drink. Some do their holiday shopping in July, I start my internal preparation…a warming of my mental palate to new flavors. (and a lot of Insta saves in a new “Holiday 2025” folder to thumb through by the time November rolls around.
This fall red wine spritz is calling my name. I love a good summer sangria but it doesn’t always love me. The heavy sugars and low brow wine never does me any favors. In Spain, this baby is served all summer long but I am digging this as a Fall cocktail that is essentially a spritz hiding behind some bold flavors. What I love is that you can throw it together for an impulse drink after work when something in a big red wine glass feels entirely necessary after a long day. Even more fun is serving it up to a friend who drops by or as a weekend day drinking sipper while still enjoying those warm fall afternoons. At Christmas I’m feeling some Sprite Zero, a few pomegranate arils, a slice of citrus and perhaps a rosemary spring from that Trader Joes table top tree you try to justify every season? (That could be a separate post all together). I could even see some slices of fig & a persimmon wheel for Thanksgiving vibes.
I adore this batched version below. It’s giving fall event vibes and would be so festive at your next event. Anything goes with this one so get creative and enjoy!
Tinto De Verano for 1
4 oz Red Wine (Pinot, Merlot or Red Zin)
4oz Lemon Lime Soda (Poppy Lemon Lime, Sprite, Sprite Zero, 7-up)
Serve over ice in a festive wine glass with a garnish. Simple is pro here. Garnish ideas: pomegranate arils, sliced citrus, sliced fig, persimmon or apple wheel, rosemary twig, whole cranberries, chopped pear or apples.
Batched Tinto De Verano for 10-12
1 bottle of red wine (Pinot, Merlot or Red Zin)
2 Cans of Lemon Lime Soda (Poppy Lemon Lime, Sprite, Sprite Zero, 7-up)
Pour wine into a large pitcher or serve ware of choice. Add garnish directly into the wine. Top gently with soda trying not to kill the bubbles. Note that any citrus you add to the batched drink will start to give off a tartness from the pith & rind if left to marinate which is not mouth friendly over time. Instead, add fruits such as apple or crisp pear that can withstand some time in the drink without degradation. Keep your ice separate (this drink is fine kept at room temp) and citrus garnish on the side for guests to choose post-pour. Chilled simple club soda as a topper would also be lovely here to add some extra bubbles! Enjoy.
